How do I safely transport ore using a ship without losing it?

Transporting ore safely in Valheim is a critical task for progressing through the game, as ores like copper, tin, iron, and silver are essential for crafting advanced gear and structures. However, ore cannot be teleported through portals, making ships the primary method for transporting these heavy resources. To ensure you don’t lose your precious cargo, follow these detailed steps and strategies.\n\nFirst, prepare your ship. The Karve or Longship is ideal for transporting ore, as they have larger storage capacities compared to the basic Raft. The Karve can carry up to four storage slots, while the Longship offers eight. Craft a Karve using 30 Fine Wood, 10 Deer Hide, 20 Resin, and 80 Bronze Nails at a level 1 Workbench. For a Longship, you’ll need 100 Iron Nails, 40 Fine Wood, 10 Deer Hide, and 40 Ancient Bark at a level 2 Workbench. Always ensure your ship is fully repaired before setting sail to avoid mid-voyage breakdowns.\n\nNext, plan your route carefully. Use the map to mark the location of your mining site and your home base. Avoid sailing through dangerous biomes like the Plains or Ocean during storms, as these can spawn hostile creatures like Serpents or cause your ship to take damage. If you’re transporting ore from the Swamp (for Iron) or Mountains (for Silver), ensure you have a safe path back to your ship and that your ship is anchored in a secure location.\n\nWhen loading your ship, distribute the ore evenly across the storage slots to avoid overloading one side, which can make the ship harder to control. If you’re transporting large quantities, consider making multiple trips or using a Longship for its superior capacity. Always keep an eye on your ship’s durability and repair it at a Workbench if necessary before departing.\n\nDuring the voyage, stay vigilant. Serpents are a common threat in the Ocean biome, especially at night or during storms. Equip a strong bow and arrows, such as Flinthead or Obsidian arrows, to fend off these creatures. If a Serpent attacks, aim for its head to deal maximum damage. Alternatively, you can outrun Serpents by sailing at full speed, but this requires a well-maintained ship and favorable wind conditions.\n\nIf your ship is destroyed, your cargo will sink to the bottom of the ocean. To recover it, craft a new ship and return to the location marked on your map. Use the grappling hook (Harpoon) to retrieve floating items, but note that ore will sink and must be collected manually from the seabed. This is time-consuming and risky, so prevention is key.\n\nFor added safety, consider building small outposts along your route. These can serve as repair stations or safe havens during storms. Place a portal at each outpost to quickly return home if needed, but remember that ore cannot be teleported. Use these outposts to store non-ore items and lighten your ship’s load.\n\nFinally, always check the weather before setting sail. Storms can make sailing treacherous, with high waves and reduced visibility. If a storm hits while you’re at sea, reduce your speed and steer carefully to avoid capsizing. Wait for calmer weather if possible, or use the wind direction to your advantage by adjusting your sails.\n\nIn summary, safely transporting ore in Valheim requires preparation, careful planning, and vigilance. Use the right ship, plan your route, and be ready to defend against threats. By following these steps, you can ensure your hard-earned resources make it safely to your base, allowing you to craft powerful gear and progress further in the game.